The volume of retail sales in Scotland rose by 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2014 official figures from the Scottish Government show.

The Retail Sales Index Statistical Bulletin for the first three months of 2014 suggests sales volume growth on an annual basis, comparing the first quarter against the same period a year ago, volume sales rose 2.4 per cent.

However the value of sales, without adjusting for inflation, dipped 0.1 per cent in the first quarter compared with the previous three months but grew 2.5 per cent on an annual basis, the figures suggest.

In comparison, UK retail sales grew 0.7 per cent in volume terms in the first quarter and by 4.2 per cent on an annual basis, and value sales, not adjusting for inflation, rose 0.5 per cent in the first quarter and by 4.6 per cent on an annual basis.

The Retail Sales Index measures the total turnover at basic prices from businesses registered as retailers based on Standard Industrial Classification.

Commenting on the latest retail statistics, Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “Today’s Retail Sales Index statistics show that retail sales performance has continued to grow over the past year, highlighting steady signs of economic growth.

“This builds on our most recent GDP figures, which show that the Scottish economy grew by 1.6 per cent during 2013 – the fastest annual growth since 2007.”